Tulane University has received a $251,900 federal grant to test lead levels in New Orleans neighborhoods and to identify areas that need correction.

Tulane University

The money from the Department of Housing and Urban Development also will support research designed to reduce the risk that lead poses to children.

The grant will allow Tulane to test 25 residential properties where Mississippi River alluvium was placed on previously contaminated soils. Researchers will also evaluate changes in lead levels in the soil and in children's bloodstreams at HANO properties before and after Hurricane Katrina; resample previously treated child-care center play areas; treat the play areas of 20 additional centers; and obtain the blood lead levels of 100 children (five per center) before and after the soil interventions.

There is a high correlation between lead levels in soil and in youngsters' bloodstreams. Even a minuscule amount of lead can kill a child's brain cells, shorten attention spans, lower IQ and make learning more difficult. It also can cause problems such as anemia, liver and kidney damage, and, in extreme cases, death.